A white jade carving of a sampan with figures

19th century

19th century
Finely carved with the mast and sails folded, two oarsmen at the bow, whilst another with an umbrella holds the helm, two ladies under the shelter, the nets and fishing basket finely incised, the stone of even pale-white tone, wood stand. 16cm (6 1/4in) wide. (2).

Provenance: a distinguished European private collection, acquired by the grandparents of the present owner and thence by descent

A related jade carving of a boat with figures, Qing Dynasty, is illustrated in the Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum: Jade, 8, Beijing, 2011, pp.162-163, no.125. Compare with a related white jade model of a fishing boat, 19th century, was sold at Bonhams San Francisco, 18 December 2007, lot 4307.